Hard to belive we are approaching the final weekend of June already....

Last week spent my firt time at the Barnes actually looking at the collection. My head started to hurt there were so many pieces of art to look at. Seems like a pretty amazing collection certainly.

Been watching the World Cup somewhat religiously - most at home. The USA and Brazil games have been out at bars - leading to more than average beer intake. Belgium is a winnable game for us and then we might have to face Argentina (ouch) and if we win again possibly The Netherlands (ouch).

An unfortunate reminder that we all need to be careful walking around town - especially females. The police arrested the alleged attacker but we all know there are awy too many unstable people out there.

Hard to believe the Phillies are only 5 games back amazingly. This stat is a week old so not sure how the last week as been on our bullpen but From June 3 to about June 19th, the Phillies' bullpen has a 1.21 ERA which was tops in the majors.

As always, I ask that people talk to me about their housing needs - especially downtown and the surrounding areas but also in the suburbs as I have a great network of area experts that I can connect you with. And I am always looking for additional partners/investors in upcoming projects if you have some $$ set aside for real estate investments. - Mark

Lakefront home just 2 hours from Philadelphia. Lake Nuangola - just south of Wilkes-Barre, PA on Rt. 8. Quarter-acre lakefront property on a corner lot - 200 feet deep by 54 feet wide. One of 75 homes directly on this spring-fed 100 acre lake. Approximately 30% of the shoreline is considered wetlands and will forever be preserved. 6 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 3,835 square feet of indoor living space, outdoor hot tub.. Large lake-facing porch with panoramic views. Address: 11 Main Street, Nuangola, PA 18707

Philadelphia magazine is hosting the 2nd annual Battle of the Burger presented by Amstel® Light and it’s up to YOU to decide which burgers will make it to the final competition on September 10th. From now through July 31st, they will host an online voting competition for over 50 restaurants where you can vote once a day for your favorite burger. Please support Rittenhouse Row members Cavanaugh’s Rittenhouse, Fado Irish Pub, and the Dandelion by voting once a day.http://www.phillymag.com/battleoftheburger/vote/

8) BEACH STUFF

A) Beachstock :: June 28th

The 5th annual Margate Beachstock is a 13-hour, non-stop party featuring live music, food court and beer garden, crafts, screening of Mr. Peabody and Sherman and much more! Buck London and 100.7 WZXL host a cover band battle on the beach in addition to live performances by Senni Bloom, Mia Bergmann, the Fool Injectors and more.Sat., June 28, 10am-8pm. Granville Ave. and Huntington Ave., Margate, N.J.margatehasmore.com

The ever-controversial force behind HBO’s Real Time takes his political and social comedy show on the road. The talk show host, comedian and documentarian deftly toes the line between hilarity and insult. 8pm. $35-$79. Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St. 215.893.1999.kimmelcenter.org

West Philly has been designated by President Obama as a “Promise Zone,” an area targeted for community investment, cultivation and refurbishing. Join the Mural Arts Program for a day of painting to spruce up some of the dilapidation in West Philly as the transformation of the neighborhood continues. Noon. Free. East Parkside,1100 N. 41st St.muralarts.org

13) Free Admission : The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University :: June 30

The Philadelphia Orchestra performs under the stars at Penn’s Landing tonight. Under the tutelage of Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin, the Philadelphia Orchestra has developed a distinct and innovative sound. This free concert will be followed by a fireworks display on the waterfront. 8pm. Free. Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, 101 S. Columbus Blvd.delawareriverwaterfront.com

Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The blowout Wawa Welcome America celebration and Philly Fourth of July Jam, one of the biggest annual events in Philadelphia, returns to celebrate our nation’s Independence Day this summer, June 28 though July 4. A wealth of patriotic festivities take over the city every year, but it’s the Philly 4th of July Jam concert that draws tens of thousands to rock out on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Philadelphia’s own hometown heroes The Roots are back again to curate a killer lineup and, for the second year, VH1 has partnered up with Wawa Welcome America to provide a high-definition nationwide broadcast of the Philly 4th of July Jam. The 2014 music lineup features great names like Ed Sheeran, Nicki Minaj, Jennifer Hudson,Aloe Blacc and, of course, The Roots. Did we mention it’s totally free?